We know it sounds preposterous…Whoever heard of preparing to be successful in an emergency room visit for your loved one? They are ER visits exactly because they are totally unexpected, certainly unscheduled, and riddled with panic. That’s why they’re called emergencies! 

But, trust us, whether you are young parents caring for your precious baby or boomer children taking care of aging parents, or anyone in between… 

One day, you may find yourself staring at the intake person of the ER, in the gut-wrenching, heart-palpitating position of having to act like a calm, cool and collected provider of information to get her to “open the gates” and allow your loved one to be wheeled in for treatment…when what you really want to do is scream at the top of your lungs: “Can’t you see he/she is in pain? What is the matter with you? " And other choice comments that are truly unprintable.

Take it from two “way-too-experienced” caregivers….the following tips really will help you:

Be Well-Informed

Be able to describe patient’s medical history and have documents to show intake person: 
                      
a. Names and phone numbers of doctors currently treating patient
b. List of current medications and allergies
c. Medicare and supplemental insurance cards
d. Power of Attorney (if appropriate)
e. Living Will or Advance Directives

Be Respectful and Reasonable                                                

Once inside the ER, you will be in the “wish I weren’t here” position of serving as constant information-giver and advocate to a variety of nurses, medical technicians, aides, and the ER doctor, all of whom will ask you as many questions as they wish and pretty much answer none of yours. 

Treat all ER personnel in a friendly, respectful manner….they are in control of your loved one:

a. Keep your tonality warm and quiet.

b. Smile and thank each one whenever they work on your loved one.

c. Keep your requests reasonable and to a minimum.

Be Patient and Prepared                                                                    

Remember, ER personnel are taking care of lots more patients than just your loved one. And they cannot determine your loved one’s treatment or medical needs until they get back the results from the different lab tests and departments:

a. Breathe, breathe, breathe and try to remain calm.

b. Go out to the lobby and get yourself a snack, drink, and magazine. Get a box of candy or cookies for the ER staff as well. Believe me, they will appreciate it!

You will be in the ER a long time. Our guesstimate is somewhere around 6+ hours in a metropolitan-area ER.

What Goes Around Comes Around

Whether your loved one gets hospitalized or leaves the ER to return home, thank the staff and the receptionist on your way out…You never know when you will be back!!!

P.S.  These tips were written after our recent ER visit and two week later re-visit for Lon’s dad.  Yes, the ER staff all recognized us; but they smiled because we had been friendly and grateful the first time around!!!  

Have to run back to the hospital. Yes, these tips also apply if your loved one needs hospitalization following your ER visit... Take good care, Jackie & Lon

Comments (6)

	1. 10-12-2007 12:37
	This is very helpful Jackie - - and I\'ve actually heard similar suggestions from a very close friend of mine who is a nurse at NYU. I especially like how you stress the importance of being respectful and friendly to the staff. Treating those that serve you your food at restaurants is essential - - and isn\'t the safety of your loved more important than then safety of your meal? Guest

Natalie13

	2. 10-12-2007 22:22
	Very good advice. My son broke his arm last month and when we got to the emergency room, I was a complete mess. I'll definitely remember this advice for next time - hopefully there won't be a "next time", of course! Guest

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